Supplement and Labeling Regulatory Information
Let’s learn about this important topic from guest presenter Rose Albrecht
Rose has been a food safety professional as a QA Manager for over 20 years. She has a degree in Biology and minored in Animal Nutrition with an Equine Emphasis. She has been riding over 30 years and currently competes in Reined Cowhorse events.
Copyright 2024 REN- No use of this material is allowed in any format
Feeds, supplements and feeding animals has become a confusion of fact, fiction and regulation. Supplements are marketed as the last saving grace for your horse, and if you don’t feed your horse a particular way you are a horrible person. All marketing is designed for one thing, and that is to get your money. Federal guidelines exist to control some, but not all of the things allowed in today’s market.
FDA has regulatory responsibility for the regulation of animal food, and works in cooperation with State and local partners through cooperative agreements, contracts, grants, partnerships, etc. An example of cooperation is the FDA and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the States for the implementation of policies to regulate the use of animal food products, including the establishment of feed ingredient definitions and proper labeling to ensure safe use of animal foods. All animal foods and food products are required to be correctly and truthfully labeled when they enter commerce. Ultimate responsibility for producing safe and effective animal foods products lies with the manufacturers and distributors, although regulatory guidelines are enforced by the FDA.
Labeling requirements for animal feeds and human foods are similar until it comes to supplements. Supplements for humans are covered under the Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, which exempts substances from regulation as food additives or drugs if the product meets the definition of a dietary supplement. The agency’s assessment of the law is that it does NOT apply to animal food, including pet foods. (published in the Federal Register, April 11, 1996 – 61 FR 17706). This means that there is no “dietary supplement” regulatory classification for animal food substances and products. They are considered “foods” or “new animal drugs” depending on the intended use. The regulatory status of a product is determined by CVM on a case-by-case basis and uses criteria provided in Guide 1240.3605.
Most animal feed ingredients are forages, grains and most minerals and vitamins, which are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as nutrient sources. If an additive is not GRAS, it must be used in accordance with food additive regulation. Additives may be approved via an approved animal additive petition. If an additive is not approved, nor GRAS, the resultant animal food may be considered adulterated and cannot legally be marketed in the US. Animal foods and supplements sold in the US must conform to these guidelines.
Labeling accurately and completely is an essential part of manufacturing animal foods or supplementation. Unlike the USDA, the FDA does not have a requirement for a label to be reviewed and approved by a regulatory authority prior to production. The FDA will enforce guidelines if a product is found to be misbranded, mislabeled or harmful after the product has entered commerce. It is up to the consumer to review and assess labels.